Exactly how much do you get for your money in Cape Haze?

Cape Haze is pristine and undiscovered—and those who love the "old Florida way of life" will get more than their money's worth here.

The Cape Haze peninsula is the last coastal area in southwestern Florida that is still untouched by tourism. The peninsula is located approximately 18 miles (28 km) from Interstate 75 and 11 miles (18 km) from Tamiami Trail (SR41), which is also the reason for the peninsula's pristine charm. Our visitors rave “This is how Florida used to be!”. With three offshore Keys and a total of 40 miles (64 km) of tempting beaches, Cape Haze has the longest coastal stretch in Florida for beach aficionados.

This is not to say that it is in the middle of nowhere—the Cape Haze region offers anything you can desire for a memorable vacation: 25 golf courses within a 20-minute radius, great restaurants and bars, ample shopping and boat rentals. Some of the restaurants are just small beachfront tiki huts. The region—which used to be inhabited solely by fishermen and now boasts many new single-family homes—has become one of the most popular vacation destinations for visitors from Europe.

Here, you can still fulfill your dream of owning a home right at the beach. Beachfront lots on the Gulf of Mexico start as low as $699,000 compared to the rest of Florida, where prices range from $2 million and upwards. At 1.49% per annum, Cape Haze property tax is among the lowest in Florida and local laws restrict new construction to a maximum height of four stories. Here, it's all about pristine nature.

However, the real restate crisis also left its mark on this ocean paradise. For decisive overseas investors, special offers are available in the seven municipalities that share the Cape Haze peninsula:

• Englewood, a small town located right at the Gulf of Mexico;
• Rotunda Golfing Community which has five golf courses; South Gulf Cove, a newly-developed boating community at the canals with direct access to the sea;
• Manasota Key, an off-shore island with 27 miles (43 km) of magnificent beaches;
• Palm Island, a tropical island without direct access to mainland Florida that can only be reached by ferry;
• Cape Haze, an exclusive golfing community;
• and last but not least, Boca Grande, a lavish island with toll bridge access.

Those who enjoy living close to nature will feel right at home in one of these communities.

Less than $200,000

This price range includes a large number of new condominiums and single-family homes—with or without outdoor pools—that were built prior to the year 2000. The prices depend on the year the homes were built.

$200,000 to $300,000

This price range includes a huge selection of single-family homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, pool area and two-car garage. Some of the homes are either waterfront homes or are located next to a golf course.

$300,000 to $500,000

Those who are willing to invest in a property in this price rage will easily find a perfect townhouse or apartment in one of the newest gated communities with amenities such as beautiful community pools, gyms, tennis courts, and more. The single-family homes in this price range were recently built and have a minimum living space of 2150 square feet (199 m2) and a pool area. The homes are either located in beautiful golf communities or have direct access to navigable canals.

$500,000 to $800,000

In this price segment, you can expect the "royal treatment". If you don't enjoy yard work, you can buy a spacious bay-front condominium or a condominium at Barefeet Beach. These condominiums are newly built and leave nothing to be desired. If you'd rather have your own pool, deciding on the perfect luxury home may not be easy, given that there are so many properties to choose from. Either way, you can expect a single-family home with all the amenities you desire, including a boat dock and boat lift.

Over $800,000

In this price range you can find your dream vacation home. These are completely private homes in exclusive locations, with generous floor plans, unique construction, and unbelievably beautiful pool areas and landscaping. Deciding on the right property may be a difficult choice. Properties in this price range are located in the private golfing community of Boca Royale or on one of the three islands off the coast—Boca Grande, Palm Island or Manasota Key.

A few of our real estate showcases:

Less than $200,000
Newly built duplex homes with ocean view, just 10 minutes from the beach.

$ 249,000:
Newly built Mediterranean-style single-family home with tiled roof and a spacious pool area overlooking the 9th Fairway, located right in the heart of Bobcat Trail golf course. Solid wood kitchen cabinets, Corian countertops and bar; 2 bedrooms/2 baths plus a studio/loft that can be used as a third bedroom; and a two-car garage.

$ 549,000:
Never miss a beautiful sunset. Luxurious 2152 sq ft (200 m2) top-floor, corner apartment at Lemon Bay in one of the most prestigious areas in town with stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Year built: 2004. The gated community has only 48 residential units and is located in a nature reserve. Enjoy amenities similar to a 5-star resort: Club house, gym, pool and jacuzzi, putting green, tennis courts and a fishing pier.

$ 750,000:
Panoramic, 280º waterfront view of navigable Rocky Creek. Key West-style villa with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, unique eat-in kitchen, luxurious living rooms, boat dock and boat lift. Oversized pool area with heated pool and jacuzzi. Year built: 2002.

$ 5,300,000:
Robinson's dream home on a private island (Palm Island). New, Key West-style 4520 sq ft (420 m2) waterfront home on a 3.4 acre (1.3 ha) bay-front lot with private gate, boat dock, boat lift, fishing pier, a huge pond and private beach with tiki hut. The additional adjacent building can be used as a garage, as golf cart parking or as a workshop. The lot is big enough to build a second home on this property.

Esther Maisch, Realtor®

RE/MAX Hometown Properties
12456 North Access Road, Suite D
Port Charlotte, FL 33981

Phone: +1 941-716-0417
Fax: +1 941-698-9393
Toll free in the US: 1-800-554-0232

Email: esther@sunnydreams.com
Website: www.sunnydreams.com